Eliot Hall Restoration
In 2019 we received a $190,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund to make Eliot Hall accessible to all our patrons. Since that time, we have received additional funding from the Community Preservation Fund in the amount of $200,000, as well as $50,000 from the George B. Henderson Foundation. These generous grants, along with the contributions of our wonderful donors, made it possible to break ground in November 2020 on the most ambitious restoration plan The Footlight Club has ever undertaken.
The cost of this project, as of May 2021, is over $850,000.
The work will provide access to four levels of Eliot Hall – from the basement to the first and second floors and to the stage level – ensuring that both audience members and potential cast and crew can access all parts of the building. Alongside the building will run an accessible ramp that leads to a new entrance, the elevator, and a staircase to all four levels of the club. An additional accessible restroom will be added on the second floor, as well as increased storage space in the basement and on the first floor.
What’s Next:
Construction will continue through August 2021. Completion of the ramp, elevator, and stairwell are the larger items still to complete. We will then move on to all the finishing work required for the restoration, including the inclusion of period-appropriate stone and ironwork. We anticipate a return to in-person performances this fall and are eager to welcome the Jamaica Plain community back to Eliot Hall!
How You Can Help:
The Covid-19 pandemic has deeply impacted the financial future of The Footlight Club. Alongside the effects of not producing for over a year, several discoveries were made during the course of construction that required additional repair, including to the chimney and the foundation of the building. While we have secured the means to finish this project and are able to ensure the longevity of Eliot Hall, we need your financial support more than ever.
Please consider making a donation in any amount to our Restoration Fund to help us cross the finish line. All gifts of $1,000 or more from now through the end of this campaign will be recognized on a special group plaque for Accessibility Advocates. All gifts of $500 or more from now through the end of this campaign will be recognized on a group plaque for Building the Foundation for the Future.
Consider the following as you make your donation:
Become a Footlight Sustainer: Your donation is automatically billed each month until we are instructed to stop. Sustainers can join for a minimum donation of $10 a month ($120 a year). Please email development@footlight.org to set up a monthly donation.
Donate a gift of stock: Please email treasurer@footlight.org.
To donate by mail: Please mail your gift to: The Footlight Club, Attn: Restoration Fund, 7A Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Past & Future Restoration Projects:
The Footlight Club has completed a series of important restorations and upgrades to keep Eliot Hall safe, functional, and welcoming. The long-range plan for ensuring the safety of the building, improving energy and mechanical systems, and making the building accessible will ensure The Footlight Club’s impact on the Jamaica Plain community for years to come. It is estimated that the cost of these projects will surpass 3.5 million dollars once completed. The following is a list of current and recent restoration projects that we've been working on. Donations are still needed for any project that is not completed.
Life Safety Systems Upgrades
We completed our replacement of the sprinkler and emergency alarm systems in Eliot Hall in late 2016 at a cost of $165,000, with half of that paid by a Cultural Facilities Fund grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Replacement of Theatre Seats
We were able to install new theatre seats that met an urgent Fire Department mandate in September of 2017 at a cost of $80,000. Audiences can now enjoy comfortable, safe seating while they enjoy our FLC productions.
Building Accessibility
Currently Underway! We cannot wait to invite patrons back to The Footlightin Fall 2021.
Building Envelope and Energy Improvements
Estimated Cost: $261,173
Mechanical Upgrades
Estimated Cost: $476,008
Interior Finish Repairs
Estimated Cost: $136,783
Electrical and Lighting Upgrades
Estimated Cost: $143,582
Stage and Theater Improvements
Estimated Cost: $319,921
Future Improvements and Endowment
Estimated Cost: $685,358
If you prefer to make a gift with a check, please make it out to The Footlight Club noting that you would like to support the Restoration Fund. Checks may be mailed to:
The Footlight Club
c/o Treasurer
7a Eliot Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130